For February’s ActiveRain contest, instead of choosing just one member to highlight, I’m choosing a small but mighty core group, the people who quietly and faithfully keep our Tuesday Zooms alive week after week. At the center is Debe Maxwell, CRS , who hosts, manages the tech, keeps us on schedule, lines up speakers, and somehow maintains order when it can feel a little like herding a room full of very smart, opinionated cats. Alongside Debe are Eileen Burns 954.483.3912  Carol Williams , Kat Palmiotti, and George Souto, who announces weekly highlights and presenters, plus  Kathy Streib, who reminds us in her column that Tuesday is coming (as if we could forget). But truly, there are many more who deserve mention, presenters, moderators, idea generators, topic creators, and consistent ... 02/09/2026

Tech Tip of the WeekSo Many Shortcuts… So Little TimeThere are hundreds - maybe even thousands - of keyboard shortcuts, depending on what programs you’re using. It can feel overwhelming before you even begin. Let’s start with just ten.Ten simple shortcuts that make everyday computer tasks easier. You can always add more later. You don’t have to learn everything at once.You may already know and use them.Here are ten simple ones to start with:Copy - Ctrl + CPaste - Ctrl + VSave - Ctrl + SPrint - Ctrl + PUndo - Ctrl + ZSelect All - Ctrl + AFind - Ctrl + FClose Tab - Ctrl + WSwitch Windows - Alt + TabShow Desktop - Windows key + DAnd one more:Windows key + gives you emojisYou don’t need to memorize them. Just start using the one you feel comfortable with and add more later if you choose.So ... 02/12/2026

March in the Gaithersburg St. Patrick’s Day ParadeGaithersburg’s 24th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will wind its way through Rio on Saturday, March 14 at 10 a.m. If you are part of a club, civic organization, school, or other community group, we invite you to join in. There’ll be bagpipers, Celtic dancers, equestrian units, fire trucks, antique cars … and maybe you! All registration forms must be submitted by February 17.Click here to learn more.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Dahlia, National Capital Dahlia Society Show, Brookside Gardens,Wheaton, Maryland USA IMG 3008Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 02/10/2026

The First Two Weeks Are Everything: How to Launch Your Home Sale Right in 2026By Adam Chubbuck Navy Veteran | #18 Ranked Maryland Realtor (54 Sales, $28M+ Volume in 2025) Team Leader – Team Alpha Charlie at Douglas Realty | Top 0.5% StatewideThere are only three things that truly sell a home: Price. Condition. Location.I can’t change your location. I can help you improve condition—staging, updates, curb appeal, deep cleaning.But the single biggest lever for a fast, profitable sale in today’s market?Price.And the moment that matters most is the first 7–14 days after your home hits the market.Why the First Two Weeks Are Make-or-Break in 2026Buyer excitement peaks right when a new listing goes live. That’s when: Searches are fresh Alerts are triggered Agents are actively showing clients ne... 02/10/2026